Bowen teen charged over alleged assault of backpacker

BOWEN detectives have arrested a 17-year-old Bowen teenager after an alleged assault on a 24-year-old female backpacker who was sun bathing on a beach at Santa Barbara Parade, Bowen earlier this month.

It's alleged that about 1pm on November 4, the 17-year-old female assaulted the backpacker with a stick.

The victim had surgery for a facial injury as a result of the assault.

Mackay District Detective Inspector Nikki Colfs said it is uncommon to have assaults occur in the park areas and beaches at Bowen.

"The offender was located and charged on Wednesday morning as a result of the valuable assistance provided by the media and members of the public," Detective Inspector Colfs said.

"We'd like to thank those that came forward and provided information in relation to the investigation of this offence."

Local police have maintained regular patrols of all public areas including beaches around Bowen to prevent offences of this nature occurring.

The 17-year-old Bowen woman was charged with one count of grievous bodily harm and is due to appear in the Bowen Magistrate's Court on December 15.